movie review

I was fortunate enough to see a sneak preview of one of this summer’s biggest blockbuster, romantic comedies, Transformers 3 – Dark of the Moon in 3D. No seriously, this movie is the perfect flick for the girls to check out for a ‘girls night out’ this weekend! The movie is hitting theatres on Friday, July 1st and if you had any doubt about whether you should see it in theatres, you must! The incredible love story that plays out throughout the plot of this film, between the two lead characters, Sam Witwicky played byShia LaBeouf and Carly played by Victoria Secret Angel, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley had me on the end of my seat, giggling with laughter and rife with emotion. Shia LaBeouf’s ability to cry in this film and show his vulnerable side was absolutely breath taking, and dare I say, Oscar-worthy. Rosie’s breakout film roll in Director Michael Bay’s third rendition of this tragic, war-riddled romance was poetic and riveting. The 3D visuals further added to the depth of this film.

Okay, okay, okay. If you couldn’t tell I was being factious with that opening paragraph, then you don’t know my sense of humor! It’s true, I did in fact go to see Michael Bay’s Transformers 3 – Dark of the Moon, and it does in fact star those two actors, it is my no means a romantic comedy for the ages. There is a love story, with some incredible wit; however, I can’t say this summer blockbuster will live up to its previous two predecessors. The film once again focuses on the continue war between the Autobots and Decepticons, this time focusing on a Cybertronian spacecraft that has crashed on Earth’s moon, and holds a critical piece to saving their home planet of Cybertron. Now, if you are a Transformer fanatic, you probably just got a chubby from those words. I on the other hand didn’t play with the action figures, but was extremely impressed with the entertainment value of this film. I went in with an open mind, after enjoying the first Transformers flick from a few years back. The flow of the movie was fast paced, and the fight scenes between the transforming cars/machines were beautifully done and wildly realistic. Granted, I knew I was watching machines that had just transformed into warriors from different Ford vehicles, so the realism could only stretch so far!

It’s funny actually that I went to see this movie because the past week I kind of felt like Stu and Phil…waking up not really knowing what happened for a few minutes yeahhhhhhhhhh.

Anyway, The Hangover 2 is the sequel to (duh!) The Hangover which was one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time. The sequel however, is not so funny which is really unfortunate because it kind of had the makings of being a hit. I think what the major problem was is that expectations were really high. Also for me personally, a sequel isn’t just a second movie using the exact same plot points, but it should move the story onward, right? I mean the best sequels aren’t just another of the same movie…all you have to do is listen to Randy from Scream to understand exactly what I’m talking about.

So here’s the basic plot without giving anything away. Stu (Ed Helms) is getting married, and everyone goes to Thailand for his wedding. At first Alan (Zach Galifianakas) is not invited mainly because of the chaos he caused last time. Eventually Stu, Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Doug (Justin Bartha) all go to Alan’s and invite him. They all go to thailand, spend a night at the beach and UH OH the original three wakeup in Bangkok and don’t know what happened!

Earlier this week, I watched the prescreen of Bridesmaids and let me tell you: It’s one hell of a wedding party and you’re all invited! I’m quite confident that this movie, starring and co-written by SNL’s Kristen Wiig, is actually going to be the funniest movie of the year – yes, even funnier than The Hangover 2.

Here’s the very basic premise of the story: “Picked as her best friend’s maid of honor, lovelorn and broke Annie (Kristen Wiig) looks to bluff her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals with an oddball group of bridesmaids.” That said, there’s a lot more to it. As Annie’s best friend Lillian (Maya Rudoph) gets engaged, Annie starts to wonder what will happen to her now that her best friend’s life is changing.

As things start to get set into motion in terms of all the traditional engagement party, bridal shower, dress shopping, and the stagette, Annie is soon realizes she is in over her head (and over her budget). To make matters worse, one of Lillian’s bridesmaids Helen (Rose Byrne) starts backhandedly competing with Annie as to who is the closer and better friend to Lillian. That’s were a lot of the drama comes from. You can see them in the photo below as they try to outdo each other at the engagement party.

For this week’s movie review, you’re getting two for the price of one. I’m combining both “Thor” and “Something Borrowed” because none of us could attend the latter and review the film. I kindly asked a friend to check it out and quickly whip up a review. Thanks Tyler, you’re the best. This week’s films star former Man Crushes of mine- Chris Hemsworth in “Thor” and Colin Egglesfield in “Something Borrowed”. When I found out the screenings were at the same time, I was super bummed. I definitely wanted to see the both of them. In the end, “Thor” won out (can you blame me), and I’m glad I did. It was spectacular.

Thor

Just to give you a brief background on the film. Thor is a Marvel Comics superhero based on the hammer-wielding Nordic god of thunder and lightning. He is banished to earth from Asgard by his father, Odin. Thor was a brash and arrogant warrior who needed a lesson in humility. Only when he learned his lesson would he be allowed to regain his hammer- the source of all his power.

It would be easy to dismiss Thor as a big-budget mindless summer movie. To do so would be an injustice. Yes, it had amazing special effects that left you breathless, but it also had character development and a decent plot. A lot of that can be attributed to the high-caliber of actors involved including Oscar winners Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman. But mostly the credit goes to director Kenneth Branagh.

Branagh is best known for directing and starring in numerous film adaptations of William Shakespeare’s plays. Like many people, including Portman, they were mystified why such a cerebral period piece director was involved in a studio summer tentpole pic. It was this paradox which lured Portman to the project even without a script. Branagh added a touch of class and sophistication to a film that could’ve easily gone via the Hulk (remember that atrocity). Instead, he crafted one of the best comic book adaptations ever. It had it all- power struggles, sibling rivalry, parental issues. You don’t get anymore Shakespearean than that.

Earlier this week, I checked out the prescreen of Fast Five that is hitting the big screens tonight. The fifth installment in the Fast and the Furious franchise stars your favorite studs, Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, alongside the sexy Jordana Brewster and all the other tough guys from the previous films.

In this film, Dominic (Vin Diesel) and the gang find themselves in trouble with the law again, as they balance trying to take down a powerful drug lord in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, while being chased by the US federal agents, led by Dwayne Johnson (formerly known as “The Rock”). Sidenote: It’s interesting that the film takes place in Brazil because in the past few weekends, the Box office has been dominated by the animated feature called “Rio”. It’ll be interesting to see what happens this weekend!

This weekend, Water for Elephants, one of my all-time favorite books is making its big screen debut and I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peak of the film this past Wednesday. I basically sprinted to the theatre in anticipation, was the first one to arrive (about twenty minutes early), but I didn’t care. I got the best seat in the house, had tissue ready in my pocket should it be required and sat back, waiting for my imagination to come to life before me on screen (and my emotions take over).

If you’ve read my book review on the original novel, Water for Elephants, by Sarah Gruen, or my articles showcasing the announcement of the case or the official movie trailer, then you’ll truly understand my passion. If you haven’t, I recommend you read each of those first and THEN go see this movie! To everything that I have bought, sent or loaned you the book, then I strongly encourage you to see this movie ASAP. You won’t be disappointed!

Opening in theatres today is the laugh out loud, yet heart warming comedy, Arthur starring Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner and Greta Gerwig. The new spin on the 1981 classic had Patrick and I in stitches multiple times and at one moment, had us in tears.

The film tells the story of Arthur Bach (Brand), a playboy who’s older than he’s actions tell of him. What’s more, he’s a billionaire due to a very substantial inheritance. The fun fact but about Arthur’s money is that even though he spends it very frivolously, he doesn’t think twice about spending it on others. But Arthur does have a rub though and that is his excessive drinking problem. All of these playboy ways are attempted to be tamed by his live-in Nanny, Hobson (Mirren).

When Arthur’s charades make a mochary of his mother’s company and charitable foundation, the last straw has been drawn. She calls Arthur into her office and tells him that he must either marry Susan (Garner), an ex-fling who works with his mother, or else, he will be cut off from the inheritance forever. Deciding he cannot live without the money, he agress to marry Susan. But, one girl is about to throw a curve ball into the entire plan.

Are you ready to get Sucker Punch‘d? I thought I was until this movie completely blew every expectation I had out of the water. Director Zach Snyder has done it again. With his gorgeous cinematography, amazing style and great story concept, I think this is my favorite movie of the year so far. Here is a quick synopsis of the story.

A young girl (Baby Doll) is locked away in a mental asylum by her wicked stepfather where she will undergo a lobotomy in 5 days time. Faced with unimaginable odds, she retreats to fantastical world in her imagination where she and four other female inmates at the asylum plot to escape the facility. The lines between reality and fantasy blur as Baby Doll and her companions battle various creatures and enemies to retrieve the 5 items they need that will allow them to break free from their captors before it’s too late.

When I first saw the trailer, I wasn’t sure how the action sequences matched with the dream world, matched with the real world would work because not much of that was revealed. Let me say that all of the transitions are absolutely seamless and really take the film to a whole other level.